Piper nigrum (black pepper) | Plants & Fungi At Kew Geography and distribution Black pepper is native to the Western Ghats of Kerala State in India, where it grows wild in the mountains. It is cultivated all over the tropics as a commercial crop. Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil and India are the major producers. Description Overview: A climber that grows to a height or length of 10 m or more. The plants form short roots, called adventitious roots, which connect to surrounding supports. Leaves: Almond-shaped, tapering towards the tip, dark green and shiny above, paler green below, arranged alternately on the stems. Flowers: Borne in clusters along flowering stalks known as spikes. 50–150 whitish to yellow-green flowers are produced on a spike. Fruits: Round, berry-like, up to 6 mm in diameter, green at first but turning red as they ripen, each containing a single seed. 50–60 fruits are borne on each spike. Other pepper plants Pink pepper is obtained from Schinus terebinthifolia (Brazilian pepper tree). Food Millennium Seed Bank: Seed storage Cultivation
Health Benefits of Basil, One of Nature's Top Antioxidant Foods The unique health benefits of basil are primarily due to its very high antioxidant content. Basil is an excellent source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which your body uses to manufacture vitamin A, a key component in the prevention of free radical damage. Free radical damage is the primary cause of atherosclerosis and heart disease, and is a contributing factor in many other conditions as well, including respiratory problems, arthritis, cancer and many other degenerative diseases. Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and a very good source of iron and calcium. It's also a good source of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium. Herbs and Spices Are One of the Best Sources of Antioxidant Benefits It's a little-known fact that herbs (and spices) such as basil have far greater concentrations of antioxidants than any common fruit or vegetable. Antioxidants are nutrient compounds found in virtually all plant foods (and also manufactured in your body).
Oregano Herbal Medicine, Health Benefits, Preparation, Side Effects Oregano as used as herbal medicine has its earliest beginnings even in early Egyptian times and has been traditionally used as herbal remedy for skin burns, cuts and bruises. Because of the minty flavor of oregano, it is also used as herbal remedy for sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs and flu. Antiseptic and fungicide. Oregano leaves and flowers are used to treat cuts and burns. Oregano contains thymol, a crystalline substance that has antiseptic and fungicide properties. Respiratory and stomach ailments. Treatment for Colds, Fever and Indigestion. Antioxidant Oregano is known to have antioxidant properties that can protects against damaging agents. Relaxant. Pain reliever. Source of fiber. Source of Vitamins and minerals. Sinus Inhalant. Acne and pimple treatment. Arthritis, swelling and muscle pains. Dandruff and lice control. Oregano oil helps cure infections of fingernails. Asthma attach prevention.
Health Benefits Of Parsley, One of Nature's Top Antioxidant Foods Parsley has much more use than just being a decorative garnish on your plate. Parsley is actually a storehouse of nutrients that features a delicious green and vibrant taste. The health benefits of parsley come from two components — its volatile oils and antioxidants called flavonoids. It's a little-known fact that herbs (and spices) such as parsley have far greater concentrations of antioxidants than any common fruit or vegetable source. Antioxidants are nutrient compounds found in virtually all plant foods (and also manufactured in your body). Protecting yourself against free radicals with antioxidants is the most effective way to reduce the risk of many health problems associated with aging. Antioxidants work together, synergistically, and each one has its own specific characteristics and benefits. Health Benefits Of Parsley Parsley belongs to a well-known group of antioxidant disease-fighting spices, along with ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and red pepper. I don't stop there, either.
Nettles Botanical.com Home Page Family: N.O. Urticanceae The Nettle tribe, Urticaceae, is widely spread over the world and contains about 500 species, mainly tropical, though several, like our common Stinging Nettle, occur widely in temperate climates. Many of the species have stinging hairs on their stems and leaves. The British species of Stinging Nettle, belonging to the genus Urtica (the name derived from the Latin, uro, to burn), are well known for the burning properties of the fluid contained in the stinging hairs with which the leaves are so well armed. [Top] Botanical: Urtica dioica (LINN.) Botanical: Urtica urens (LINN.) ---Synonyms---Common Nettle. Our Common Nettle (Urtica dioica, Linn.) is distributed throughout the temperate regions of Europe and Asia: it is not only to be found in distant Japan, but also in South Africa and Australia and in the Andes. The Nettle flowers from June to September. The whole plant is downy, and also covered with stinging hairs. 'Nettle in, dock out. [Top]
Vietnamese Herbs and Asian Herbs - Growing, Recipes, Cooking and Storing Fennel Fennel is crunchy and slightly sweet, adding a refreshing contribution to the ever popular Mediterranean cuisine. Most often associated with Italian cooking, be sure to add this to your selection of fresh vegetables from the autumn through early spring when it is readily available and at its best. Fennel is composed of a white or pale green bulb from which closely superimposed stalks are arranged. The stalks are topped with feathery green leaves near which flowers grow and produce fennel seeds. Fennel, sliced, raw1.00 cup(87.00 grams) NutrientDRI/DV molybdenum10% This chart graphically details the %DV that a serving of Fennel provides for each of the nutrients of which it is a good, very good, or excellent source according to our Food Rating System. Health Benefits Unique Phytonutrients with Antioxidant and Health-Promoting Effects The most fascinating phytonutrient compound in fennel, however, may be anethole—the primary component of its volatile oil. Description History How to Enjoy
Constantly Tired? Here Are 10 Herbs To Increase Energy, Vitality, And Adaptability by JOHN SUMMERLY How difficult is it for us to achieve a work-life balance? How much more difficult is it to achieve a life-energy balance? And does it not seem that there are never enough hours in the day to achieve any balance at all? You’re not alone. Adaptogenic herbs demonstrate a nonspecific enhancement of the body’s ability to resist a stressor. Herbal formulas found in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic medicine restore a healthy stress response typically using traditionally prepared as formulas. Rhodiola rosea (Golden Root, Roseroot, Aaron’s Rod) is effective for improving mood and alleviating depression. Used for centuries in Asia and Scandinavia, Rhodiola is still relatively new to the Western market, but its popularity is growing, in large part because of what an incredibly versatile — and relatively inexpensive. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an annual plant native to the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. Maca has the ability to heighten libido and improve semen quality.
California Poppy Seed As Effective As Prescription Pain Killers - eVitamins.com Living with chronic pain can be a daily struggle. On top of the physical discomfort, there is the endless cycle of medication. Prescription pain medications can also become addictive, posing additional health risks when taken in excessive doses for extended periods of time. California poppy seed is a natural alternative to pain medication that is non-addictive while producing the same life-changing results. On the March 22 episode of "Dr. Where It Comes From The California poppy is the official state flower of California, but it can also be found in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico. California poppies are also referred to as "golden poppies" due to their golden orange in color and are legal to pick. Other Benefits of California Poppy Seed While California poppy seed acts as a pain reliever, it also has other health benefits: Improves sleep: Many people use California Poppy Seed as a natural sleep inducer.
Herbal Remedies" While some people may dismiss herbal remedies as quackery, the use of botanicals is well rooted in medical practice. Ancient doctors methodically collected information about herbs and developed well-defined pharmacopoeias to treat a variety of ailments. More than a quarter of all drugs used today contain active ingredients derived from those same ancient plants. It's estimated that nearly 80 percent of the world's population use herbs for some aspect of primary health care. In the United States, more than 1,500 botanicals are sold as dietary supplements; top-selling herbs include echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, ginseng, ginkgo, saw palmetto, aloe, ephedra, Siberian ginseng, and cranberry. Clinical studies on a handful of herbs are underway, but to help you understand the benefits and risks, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to herbs, including potential uses, side effects, and precautions. This information is solely for informational purposes.